The Great Escape: Vancouver, B.C.
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do
At 1,000-acre Stanley Park, you can rent a stylish Vida bike—complete with wicker basket—at Spokes Bicycle Rentals just outside the park's entrance (604/688-5141, vancouverbikerental.com, half day $34). The park is surrounded by a nearly six-mile-long seawall and has flat terrain with spectacular views of the North Shore mountains and Lions Gate Bridge.
shop
It's no surprise that Lululemon, the biggest name in chic athletic wear, got its start in a city that's equal parts cosmopolitan and outdoorsy. Visit the flagship in the laid-back Kitsilano neighborhood, then break in your new duds with a free yoga or Pilates class in the store or on nearby Kitsilano Beach. A monthly schedule of classes is posted on the store's website (604/732-6111, lululemon.com).
eat
Vancouver's hip Yaletown neighborhood is full of serious restaurants, but the swanky Charm Modern Thai is a standout. Many dishes are designed to be shared, including an $18 appetizer plate piled high with veggie tempura, short ribs, spring rolls, and ahi sashimi (604/688-9339, charmmodernthai.com, entrées from $17).
stay
At the 129-room Listel Hotel, most of the original and limited-edition artwork is curated by a local gallery, with one floor focused on British Columbian works and furniture made from native hemlock and cedar. Nightly jazz performances in the lobby's piano bar provide the soundtrack to your stay (800/663-5491, thelistelhotel.com, from $118).
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